Russell Brand breaks his silence as he is charged with rape and s*xual assaults against four women over six years

Actor and comedian Russell Brand has spoken out after being charged with rape, indecent assault, oral rape and two counts of sexual assault against four women, stating he has 'never been a rapist'.

Brand hit out at the serious allegations against him, accusing the government of turning the law into 'a weapon', before repeating previous denials that he has ever engaged in non-consensual sex.

In a video posted to X, formerly Twitter on Friday afternoon, Brand thanked fans for their support and said he would fight the claims in court.